Čezeta 506

The iconic Czechoslovak scooter Čezeta (known as “the pig” by the locals) is coming back as an electric scooter! The trio behind the revival has already applied for EU authorization and they are done with the prototype. They even have 20 or so preorders in line. We are eagerly waiting for more news about this interesting scooter!

Read this great story from Radio Praha for more information.

Also visit the main webpage for the brand new electric Čezeta.

The post The pig is back! first appeared on scootcats.

BMW Motorrad Concept Vehicle BMW E-Scooter. Innovative development study with electric drive.

Space is becoming increasingly scarce in the major conurbation centres and traffic density is growing continuously. Political and social conditions are changing. All these factors coalesce in increasing demands in terms of private transportation. The concept vehicle BMW E-Scooter with electric drive provides an innovative look at changing urban mobility needs.

While the currently available, purely electrically-powered scooters have been almost exclusively used inside towns and cities to date due to their perform- ance and range, which makes them suitable for short distances only, the concept vehicle BMW E-Scooter offers a much broader spectrum of use.

High range and excellent performance figures.

Since it was conceived as a future-oriented vehicle for commuting between urban areas and the city centre, therefore attracting funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development, there were two main requirements for its development: dynamic figures comparable to those of a maxi scooter with a combustion engine and a high range in realistic conditions of use.

The concept vehicle BMW E-Scooter provides the necessary sustained output and maximum speed for safe and reliable overtaking on urban motorways and also when carrying two people. It is also easily capable of managing hill starts on steep slopes with a pillion passenger.

The development study also has the necessary maximum output to be able to achieve acceleration figures within the important 0 – 60 km/h range, which are at the level of current maxi scooters powered by a 600 cc combustion engine.

The high storage capacity of the battery allows a daily driving range of over 100 kilometres. In this way, the BMW E-Scooter concept vehicle provides a long-term, zero-emissions urban and suburban travel option which is suitable for everyday use.

Fast charging at conventional power sockets.

The E-Scooter concept vehicle’s battery is charged at regular household power sockets as found in Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan, so no special charging station is required. When the battery is completely flat, the charging period is less than three hours. However, practical experience has shown that the battery rarely runs out completely, so charging times are generally shorter.

Frame.

Unlike existing maxi scooters with combustion engines, the concept vehicle does not have a main frame. Instead, the aluminium battery casing — which also contains the electronic system required for battery cell monitoring — takes over the function of the frame. The steering head support is connected to it, as is the rear frame and the left-hand mounted single swing arm with directly hinged, horizontally installed shock absorber.

Electric machine, power electronics and charging device.

Due to its high output, the BMW Motorrad development study has no hub motor with direct drive or planetary gearbox. Instead, the high-performance electric machine is mounted behind the battery casing. The secondary drive consists of a toothed belt from the electric machine to the belt pulley mounted coaxially on the swinging fork pivot with drive pinion. From here, power transmission occurs via roller chain to the rear wheel. When the E-Scooter is decelerated in trailing throttle or when braking, the energy re- leased is recuperated, thereby increasing the vehicle’s range by between 10 and 20 per cent depending on driving profile.

The electrical components required for the electric drive are installed on the top of the battery casing. The external battery electronics system perma- nently collects and monitors data such as the temperature and voltage of the battery cells, both during travel and while charging. The power electronics acts as a control system and controls the electric machine. The charging device includes a charge cable which allows the battery to be recharged at a conventional household power socket. In addition to the other components like an ISO insulation monitor, high-voltage indicator and a high-voltage distributor, a DC-DC converter is included. It is required to change high voltage to low voltage power to supply the 12 volt vehicle supply and especially for the control units.

Cooling system.

During travel, the electric machine and power electronics are liquid-cooled, as is the charging device during charging. An electric coolant pump ensures coolant circulation through the radiator. While a coolant is commonly used for the battery in electrically powered cars, the E-Scooter concept vehicle uses an air cooling system in order to save space.

Safety.

BMW Motorrad is one of the very few motorcycle manufacturers to be able to draw on its own experience and expertise in the automobile field in the development of electrically powered vehicles. Synergies are derived from the development of the BMW E-Scooter concept vehicle not just in the ready availability of technical components but also in the area of high voltage engineering and the associated safety requirements. Here for the first time, standards established by the leading automobile manufacturers relating to high voltage safety (> 60 volt) and functional reliability are being applied to a two-wheel vehicle with electric drive. (Source: BMW Group)

Watch the videos below to see the BMW E-Scooter in action.

Also see related posts:

BMW’s Concept C in Paris

No Comment… BMW’s Scooter Concept C Video

The post BMW Motorrad Concept Vehicle BMW E-Scooter first appeared on scootcats.

Honda EV-neo

Honda announced last week that its zero emission, electric scooter, EV-neo, will make its European debut in Barcelona starting July 2011. For the demonstration program, Honda will provide Barcelona city council with 18 EV-neos for a year. Motorcycles account for 30% of vehicles in Barcelona, and a wide range of incentives already exist for electric vehicles in the city. The program will serve to test the EV-neo in European conditions.

The EV-neo is already available for sale in Japan for a price of 5750USD. Honda is expecting to sell 1000 units in Japan until the end of the year.

Source: Press Release by Honda, June 15, 2011

The post Honda introduces its EV-neo to Europe first appeared on scootcats.

RYNO Motors‘ comes up with a self-balancing, one wheeled electric scooter. Its looks kind of resemble BPG Motor’s U3 in dicycle mode, but the design is yet more industrial, something I could imagine seeing in a Mad Max movie. This ongoing revolution in ground transporation technology makes me wonder what kind of crazy vehicles we will be seeing on the roads in a few years from now…

PT II

The estimated retail price for the Ryno scooter is around $3500, still much more expensive compared to a regular scooter, which can be purchased starting at $1000. Maximum speed is 25mph, you can go up to 35mph with a regular 50cc scoot. But on the other hand, this vehicle is all electric, so you don’t need to spend bucks on the gas. Also, it is light weight and small, so no need to worry about parking. The bike’s LiFePo4 battery has a charging time of 1.5hrs and a range up to 30 miles. Watch the video below to see how it works.

The post RYNO baby! first appeared on scootcats.

With gas prices rising and consumers becoming more environmentally-conscious, no wonder, more and more people decide to buy electric vehicles. We recently posted a study from Pike Research, predicting 138 million electric motorcycles and scooters on the road worldwide by 2017.

Given the numbers, someone better starts preparing to meet this increasing demand. Automotive manufacturers, such as VW, Mini, Smart already introduced their concept e-scooters earlier this year and late last year. But it’s not just the large OEMs preparing to get their piece of the pie. With the simplicity of the mechanics and dynamics; less speed and acceleration being acceptable compared to a conventional motorcycle or a car, and the low cost of production (again a much simpler design than a car or motorcycle), startups with the ambition of developing cheap zero emission electric scooters pop up every other day now.

Latest news come from Estonia. A core team including a designer, an electric engineer, a mechnical engineer and a business consultant came together with the idea to produce small but capable two wheelers for urban commuters. And they did it.

Exo electric scooter

The Exo electric scoot from Estonia has been designed for both, on-the-road and off-the-road conditions. The Aluminum bodies are  all functional, there is no overweight, no extra parts without purpose. And it only weighs about 88 pounds. If you do not want to park it outside,  you can easily fit it into an elevator and take it to your apartment and charge it there. Here are some of the specifications of the Exo Neutrino Max model:

For more information, visit the Exo website.

The post Meet Exo from Estonia first appeared on scootcats.

European automakers, Mini, VW and Smart introduced their concept electric scooters earlier this year. The French automaker Renault seems to have taken a different path than its competitors. Instead of coming up with an e-scooter, the company introduced a car; an electric quadri-cycle with the heart of a scooter.

Twizy, the new vehicle from Renault is going to be available for sale in Europe in March 2012. The four-wheeled electric vehicle, has a similar engine and acceleration performance, to an electric scooter and it can be driven at speeds up to 50 mph.

If you are looking for a cheap and small alternative to a car, but do not feel comfortable purchasing a scooter, the Twizy might be the right choice for you. It is small, lightweight and has the passive safety features of a car, such as seat belts and an airbag, while still providing the joy of open-air motoring.

Twizy comes with an integrated charger located under the front hatch and charging the vehicle takes approximately 3.5 hours. 4kW (5hp) and 15kW (20hp) motor versions will be available. If you are interested, you can reserve one for priority testing and ordering, of course only in Europe!

The post Renault Twizy, a car with the heart of a scooter first appeared on scootcats.

Maximilian II

German engineering brings commuters the ultimate transportation solution. TP Scoots are compact and foldable, so you can take one on the train with you or put it in the back of your car. It’s 100% electric and you can charge it from a standard plug. One charge takes up to 5-6 hours and enables traveling up to 20 miles with a maximum speed of 20mph.

The TP Scoot is approved for all EU roads, not available in the US yet. Currently, the company is offering two models; Maximilian II and Ferdinand II.

Ferdinand II

Maximilian II

Maximilian II

Maximilian II

The post The Ultimate Transportation Solution first appeared on scootcats.

With a new electric scooter popping up every other day and the rise of gas prices and the environmental effects of our carbon emissions, who knows what we will be riding in 10 years from now… Wait, but are we ready for the electric vehicles?

That’s why CleanTech OC in Orange County is hosting a symposium on plug-in electric vehicles. This event will feature three panels and a variety of speakers from throughout the industry, discussing the opportunities and challenges our communities and state face with the wider adoption of plug-in electric vehicles.

When:
Wednesday, May 11. Symposium will be held 1:30 – 5:30pm. Reception and electric vehicle expo will be held 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Where:
UC Irvine Student Center – Pacific Ballrooms. First 200 attendees can park for free in Student Center Parking Structure adjacent to the facility. A311 Student Center, Irvine 92697.

Why:
Now that the major OEMs are rapidly introducing plug-in electric vehicles to the consumer market, our cities and the State of California will soon face a variety of challenges and opportunities related to the wider adoption of PEVs. Utilities will have to be strategic in upgrading the grid, cities will need to trim red tape for permitting EV charging infrastructure, and the State will have to determine whether it is financially feasible to continue extending tax credits to those purchasing PEV’s and providing grants for cities that prepare for wider adoption.

Soure: Press Release by CleanTech OC, May 9, 2011

The post Are you ready for the electric vehicle revolution? first appeared on scootcats.

May 5, 2011, Vectrix, Press Release – The world leader in Personal Electric Vehicles, announces two Vectrix clean energy scooters, the VX-1 Li/Li+ and VX-2 have won “European e-Scooter of the Year” at the prestigious Circuit Zolder “Clean Week 2020” event launch (www.cleanweek2020.be) May 3^rd to 5^th, 2011 in Belgium. Vectrix’s two “European e-Scooter of the Year” awards come closely on the heels of last month’s European debut of the Vectrix VX-1 Li/Li+ and VX-2 at AutoRAI 2011 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The rigorous competition was judged by a prominent panel of automotive and motorcycle journalists from Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Scandinavia, U.K., Italy, Switzerland, and Austria using challenging criterion that included Ecoscore (consumption, emissions, and noise), Driving Range, Recycling, Refilling/Reloading, Price, Performance/Consumption, Aesthetics/Styling, Drivability, Availability in the Market, and Quality of the Press Kit. The Circuit Zolder “Clean Week 2020” award categories included e-Scooters (under 25 km/h/15 mph, under 45 km/h/30 mph, and over 45 km/h/30 mph), e-Bicycle, e-Quadricycle, and e-Bike (on-road, off-road, and MX). The Vectrix electric VX-1 Li/Li+ won the “over 45 km/h (30 mph)” class and the VX-2 won the “under 25 km/h (15 mph)” class.

“Vectrix is extremely proud to take home the European e-Scooter of the Year awards for both our clean energy VX-1 Li/Li+ and our VX-2,” said Brian Buccella, Vectrix Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are so happy to be recognized by such a prestigious panel of experts who understand the value, performance, and cost-effectiveness of our Vectrix electric scooters. To win one category is awesome. To win two categories out of two is simply incredible. It is truly a tribute to the Vectrix core technology and design inherent in every Vectrix vehicle we produce.”

VX-1 Li/Li+: Perfect for consumer, police, and security applications, the zero-gas emission Vectrix VX-1 Li and Li+ are the latest generation of Vectrix’s flagship vehicle, the VX-1. The clean energy Vectrix VX-1 now offers two new lithium battery options — the VX-1 Li — a 30-amp hour battery, and the VX-1 Li+ — a 42-amp hour battery.

The VX-1 is powerful and fast providing superior handling due to a low center of gravity, stiff frame, and even weight distribution. With a curb weight of 193 kg (425 pounds) for the VX-1 Li and 209 kg (460 pounds) for the VX-1 Li+, both bikes are capable of speeds up to 110 km/h (68 mph). The VX-1 Li has a range of up to 64 to 96 km (40 to 60 miles) and the VX-1 Li+ has a range of up to 88 to 136 km, (55-85 miles) [depending on factors like terrain, weight, etc.]. The VX-1 Li accelerates from 0-92 km/h (0-50 mph) in 6.0 seconds and the VX-1 Li+ accelerates from 0-92 km/h (0-50 mph) in 6.25 seconds. Both new VX-1 Li and Li+ models come standard with the patented Vectrix Multi-Function Throttle which provides regenerative braking for maximization of range and a slow-speed reverse for ease-of-use while parking as well as the patented rugged Vectrix rear-wheel mounted planetary gear drive. Both new VX-1 models come with a 1.5 kW on-board battery charger that plugs into a standard 110V/220V and features a recharge time of around 3 to 4 hours for the VX-1 Li and 4 to 6 hours for the VX-1 Li+. Both VX-1s are incredibly cost-effective to operate and produce zero gas emissions.

The Vectrix VX-1 is available in White, Black, Silver, Red, Blue, and Green. The MSRP for the VX-1 Li is EUR 8,850 (not including VAT) and the VX-1 Li+ is EUR 10,050 (not including VAT). For more information, please visit www.vectrix.com.

Key Features of the Vectrix VX-1 Li/Li+:

• All-electric with zero emissions — no need for oil or gas, and virtually silent operation. Plugs into any standard 110/220V outlet and charges battery to 80% capacity in 2.5 hours.
• Powerful and fast — Rapidly accelerates to a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph). Zero to 92 km/h (60 mph) in as little as 6.0 seconds.
• Range up to 136 km (85 miles) on a single charge, due to battery pack energy density and our unique regenerative braking technology.
• Superior handling due to a low center of gravity, quality components, and even weight distribution.
• Low Maintenance — with no oil, no filters, and no clutch your cost of ownership is minimal.
• Patented Vectrix Multi-Function Throttle provides regenerative braking to maximize range possibilities and a slow-speed reverse for greater maneuverability and easy parking
• Patented Vectrix integrated rear-wheel mounted single stage planetary gear drive.
• Low noise for reduced sound pollution

VX-2: The all-new Vectrix VX-2 is designed to be the ideal choice for shorter trips — from across town to across campus. The alternative energy VX-2 is the perfect machine for lower-speed urban, neighborhood, and small-town trips. The VX-2 is the electric equivalent of a 50cc internal combustion engine and is smaller and slimmer than other Vectrix models.

The clean energy Vectrix VX-2 is capable of speeds up to 45 km/h (30 mph) and has a range of up to 64 to 88 kilometers (40 to 55 miles) [depending on factors like terrain, weight, driving habits, etc.]. The VX-2 comes standard with the patented Vectrix Multi-Function Throttle which provides regenerative braking to maximize the operating range and a slow-speed reverse for maneuvering in tight spaces. Each VX-2 comes with a 48V/20A battery charger that plugs into a standard 110V/220V and features a recharge time of around 3.5 to 5 hours.

The VX-2’s lower profile and lighter weight make it a solid choice for riders seeking responsiveness and maneuverability needed for tight urban centers and congested traffic. The VX-2 offers advanced technology, intuitive controls, and solid, steel-tube chassis construction which makes it just as reliable and exciting as it is affordable.

The VX-2 is available in True Blue, Real Red, Mellow Yellow, Clean Green, Bright White, and Slick Black. The MSRP for the VX-2 is EUR 3,360 (not including VAT). For more information, please visit www.vectrix.com.

Key Features of the Vectrix VX-2 Scooter:

• All- electric with zero emissions — no need for oil or gas, and virtually silent operation. Plugs into any standard 110/220V outlet and charges battery between 3.5 – 5 hours.
• Zero carbon emissions during operation.
• Low Maintenance — with no oil, no filters, and no clutch, your maintenance requirements are minimal.
• Range of up to 88 km (55 miles) [depending on speed, rider weight, and driving habits].
• Top speed of 45 km/h (30 mph).
• Acceleration 0-45 km/h (0-30 mph) in 7 seconds.
• Patented Vectrix Multi-Function Throttle provides regenerative braking to maximize range possibilities and a slow-speed reverse for greater maneuverability and easy parking.
• Low noise for reduced sound pollution.

Also read: Vectrix, not an ordinary electric

The post Vectrix Wins “European e-Scooter of the Year” Awards first appeared on scootcats.

Lately, we have been writing a lot about upcoming electric scooters, there is one more model we have not covered yet. This one is a bit different though, beyond its unique style, this zero emission electric scoot is a transformer. Uno III from BPG Motors is able to transform while riding for better handling of higher speeds and on idle mode for compact storage and parking. It can get small enough to fit into an elevator and inside an apartment.

The Uno has three wheels and operates in two modes. In dicycle mode, it balances on a single pair of parallel wheels, providing the rider with a compact and highly maneuverable ride. At high speeds, the Uno transforms into a scooter; a middle wheel deploys forward and the outer wheels shift backwards completing the transformation. The transformation into motorcycle mode is easily completed with a push of a button. The current prototype has a top speed of 30 MPH in motorcycle mode and a top speed of 15 MPH in dicycle mode. Charging takes 3 to 4 hours, which enables traveling up to 30-35 miles.

u3 motorcycle mode

u3 dicycle mode

Many of us are not familiar with riding in dicycle mode, but according to BPG Motors, this is easier than riding in motorcycle mode.

The U3, which will be licensed as a scooter class vehicle, is expected to be available early 2012. The price range is expected to be between 5000 USD and 7000 USD. You can reserve yours online at the BPG  website.

The post Stylish, unique and transformable: U3 first appeared on scootcats.